“Melting pot” is a term quite often thrown around in regards to Brisbane’s storied, intertwined and incestuous punk and hardcore scene. With their debut EP, Brisbane’s Little Shadow have taken their experience in everything from bands who worshipped Coalesce and Converge, to bands that were punked up versions of Braid and melted them in to a release brimming with confidence and a sense of maturity only achieved through a varied and honest approach to musical creativity.

These six tracks on Possessions evoke memories of later Hopesfall, Cursive, and at their more dischordant and punishing, a more melodic Nation Blue. All of this is coupled with vocalist Cam Gillard’s stories being told with a balance of layered analogies, and brutal honesty, whilst delivered in a more angelic and balanced tone than his previous work.

It’s a fine moment for a relatively fresh band when they can set the benchmark for their peers in such a seemingly effortless manner.

The Possessions CD will be available at shows, in good independent record stores and via mailorder at thetenzenmen website.